Fleming's Bold Plan: Can England Really Reach No. 1?

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-09-21

England's new Test coach, Stephen Fleming, didn't waste any time. At his first press conference at Old Trafford on Sunday, the 53-year-old laid out a vision that's equal parts ambitious and demanding. He wants England to be the No. 1 Test team in the world and to finally win the World Test Championship. That's a tall order, but Fleming isn't shying away from it. Fleming signed a contract through September 2030 after a two-week recruitment process by the ECB. He'll take charge on the field when England begin a three-match Test series in South Africa on December 17. And he's already making it clear: this isn't just about results. It's about rebuilding an identity. ### The No. 1 Ranking and WTC Glory Fleming's ultimate goal is to reclaim the top spot in the ICC Test rankings, something England hasn't held since 2012. Australia currently sits at No. 1. "One of the most prestigious jobs in cricket," Fleming called the role, adding that leading the world's top Test team is his personal aspiration. But England has work to do. They're currently sixth in the 2025–2027 World Test Championship standings and have failed to reach the final in all three previous editions. Fleming insists the WTC must be viewed as a pinnacle trophy, right alongside the Ashes. Speaking of the Ashes, England will host Australia in summer 2027. Fleming, who grew up in New Zealand watching the rivalry, said he's incredibly excited to coach in it. He even has a "deep desire" to beat Australia. ### Fixing Discipline and Building a Team Identity Off-field issues have plagued England recently. In June, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were suspended for a Test against New Zealand after a nightclub incident at Lord's. Last month, fast bowler Brydon Carse was handcuffed by police outside a Derby nightclub and missed two Tests against Pakistan. The charges were dropped, but the Cricket Regulator is still investigating. Test captain Joe Root was visibly angry about these incidents. Fleming backed Root's hardline stance. "Players need to feel proud to represent England and feel part of something bigger than themselves," he said. Fleming also revealed he'd spoken privately with Ben Stokes, who retired from international cricket in June at 35. Stokes is "happy and at peace" with his decision, and Fleming respects it. He didn't ask Stokes to come back for the 2027 Ashes. ### Combining Positive Play with Smart Tactics Fleming pushed back on the idea of calling his approach 'Flemball.' He joked it sounded like a medical condition. Instead, he plans to build on the aggressive foundations laid by Brendon McCullum and Stokes. During their first two years, McCullum and Stokes transformed Test cricket with a fearless attacking mindset. But England struggled over the last 12 months as results stalled. Fleming praised the courage behind that style but emphasized that England must now adapt and make smarter tactical decisions. > "You can't just attack blindly. You need to know when to go and when to hold back. That's the next step for this team." Fleming's message is clear: England has the talent, but they need discipline, identity, and a bit of tactical nuance. Can he deliver? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: he's not afraid to aim high.